Commissioner Katarina Carroll officially launched the Queensland Police Service’s joint safety campaign with Tinder last Friday.
The campaign which features messaging to increase awareness of personal safety, offender behaviour, reporting and support options is the first of its kind, co-branded in partnership with Match Group’s Tinder.
The campaign will see tailored safety messaging delivered to Queenslanders using the Tinder app.
With the popularity of technology and social applications increasing, Commissioner Carroll said the timing of the campaign was important.
“We see from our data that sexual assaults linked to online apps are becoming more frequent. We’ve seen a steady increase in the past 10 years, mirroring the evolving way we use technology,” Commissioner Carroll said.
“This campaign is about empowering people to use these platforms safely.
“We want people to know that we are here, we want them to be safe and if something unwanted happens, they are not alone. Support and reporting options are available.
“We’re also sending a message to potential offenders. We will not tolerate violations of people’s safety or criminal behaviour.
“In a situation where someone is sexually assaulted, the only person to blame is the offender and we will support anyone who makes the decision to report what has happened to them.
“We can all take simple steps to raise the standards and send the message that sexual assault and violence will not be tolerated.”
Buddy Loomis, senior director of law enforcement ops and investigations of Match Group said the joint effort with the Queensland Police Service was about sending a strong message.
“Today we’re taking an even stronger stand that harassment, offensive and violating behaviour have no place on Tinder,” Ms Loomis said.
“Our members’ safety is of utmost importance and we’re excited to be partnering with Queensland Police to spread that important message and empower the Tinder community to be safe, feel supported, and take action against users who are unwilling to act responsibly.”
